Definition of impregnatenext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word impregnate different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of impregnate are drench, saturate, soak, and steep. While all these words mean "to permeate or be permeated with a liquid," impregnate implies a thorough interpenetration of one thing by another.

a cake strongly impregnated with brandy

When could drench be used to replace impregnate?

While in some cases nearly identical to impregnate, drench implies a thorough wetting by something that pours down or is poured.

clothes drenched by a cloudburst

When might saturate be a better fit than impregnate?

The words saturate and impregnate can be used in similar contexts, but saturate implies a resulting effect of complete absorption until no more liquid can be held.

a saturated sponge

Where would soak be a reasonable alternative to impregnate?

While the synonyms soak and impregnate are close in meaning, soak implies usually prolonged immersion as for softening or cleansing.

soak the garment in soapy water

In what contexts can steep take the place of impregnate?

In some situations, the words steep and impregnate are roughly equivalent. However, steep suggests either the extraction of an essence (as of tea leaves) by the liquid or the imparting of a quality (such as a color) to the thing immersed.

steep the tea for five minutes

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of impregnate According to the movie, closely adapted by Roman Polanski from a 1967 novel by Ira Levin, Guy has colluded with the neighbors to have Rosemary raped and impregnated by Satan. Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 30 Oct. 2025 According to prosecutors, Farwell agreed to try and impregnate Birchmore to stop her from telling people about their relationship. Christine Pelisek, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2025 The ex-Stoughton police officer accused of grooming, impregnating and then killing Canton woman Sandra Birchmore has been charged in a new indictment with causing the death of her unborn child, according to court documents. Lance Reynolds, Boston Herald, 28 Oct. 2025 In Episode 7, audiences finally got to see the creature in action after Arthur (David Rysdahl) is impregnated by the specimen, paying homage to Kane’s (John Hurt) death on the Nostromo. Leia Mendoza, Variety, 24 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for impregnate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impregnate
Verb
  • Let the filter soak for at least ten minutes before scrubbing it gently with an old toothbrush.
    Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 7 Feb. 2026
  • Read a book and sip tea in front of the central fireplace, swim between the indoor and outdoor sections of the glimmering pool, and soak your aching quads in the hot tubs under the evergreens and aspens while listening to the peaceful babble of Gore Creek.
    Sarah Kuta, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • That way the water has time to saturate the ground rather than evaporating or drying out quickly when peak daytime temperatures are in the 80s and 90s in Miami.
    Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 10 Feb. 2026
  • In this foyer, everything from the walls to the millwork to the doors and the balusters are saturated in White Dove.
    Heather Bien, Southern Living, 5 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Nevertheless, everyone can celebrate (or drown their sorrows) with some of the free and discounted offerings at these restaurants.
    Mike Snider, AZCentral.com, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Those videos, especially in the case of Alex Pretti’s shooting, drowned out both the slop and slick government productions.
    Ben Smith, semafor.com, 9 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • In the warmer months, the area is frequently drenched in fog.
    Hazlitt, Hazlitt, 4 Feb. 2026
  • Kelsea Ballerini channeled Old Hollywood glamour in a form-fitting halter gown drenched in intricate metallic beadwork in shades of gold, bronze, and olive, arranged in swirling, paisley-like patterns with fringe detailing cascading from the skirt and train.
    Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 2 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • These ingredients are each separately macerated in a neutral grain base spirit made from wheat for a total of two weeks, and then those spirits are distilled at low temperature.
    Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 9 Jan. 2026
  • For an elevated dessert, drizzle over vanilla ice cream and top with cut or macerated strawberries or peaches.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 30 Dec. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Impregnate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impregnate. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on impregnate

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